Designers offer winter romance, trip to the country at London Fashion Week

Models present creations at the Anya Hindmarch catwalk show during London Fashion Week in London

By Marie-Louise Gumuchian

LONDON (Reuters) – British designer labels took fashionistas on dream-like escapes, to snowy mountain peaks and the English countryside at London Fashion Week on Sunday, presenting luxurious embellished looks for women’s wardrobes.

On a catwalk made to look like a snow-covered mountain, models in furry hats and goggle-like glasses descended from a peak carrying bags with colourful handwoven leather straps, structured backpacks and small purses, all adorned with clipped-on garlands, sparkly butterflies and layered hearts.

Hindmarch used suede, vegetable tanned leathers and long-haired shearling for her creations, which came in pinks, blues, mustard yellow, browns and grey.

Models wore knits over shorts or wool and felt coats and capes with colourful furry collars or panels. Furry shawls were tied on top. Footwear included embellished clogs with furry insides, slippers, sandals and creeper shoes.

“Autumn Winter 2017 explores the contrast between the romanticised notions of winter and wanderlust and the darker motifs found in Old Norse folklore,” Hindmarch said in shownotes.

“This has been explored through modern interpretations of traditional leather craft techniques, including Scandinavian Kurbits and complex hand-woven leatherwork.”

At Mulberry, creative director Johnny Coca took inspiration from the British aristocracy’s life in the countryside, showcasing tweeds, lace and embroidery in his designs.

“I am selling very beautiful clothes and they have to be…dream-like,” Temperley told Reuters when asked about her inspiration. “And in a climate like today…it’s about creating something that…celebrates diversity and celebrates individuality.”